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'The Soul of Burt Bacharach' comes to Kean Stage with two shows today and tonight

Burt Bacharach, pictured here in 1970, wrote music that was accessible — it even sounds simple. But there is nothing simple about it.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Burt Bacharach, pictured here in 1970, wrote music that was accessible — it even sounds simple. But there is nothing simple about it.

The Soul of Burt Bacharach comes to Enlow Recital Hall at Kean University with two shows today (November 8) at 2:00pm and 7:30pm.

The Soul of Burt Bacharach premieres with two shows at Enlow Recital Hall at Kean University on Nov. 8
Kean Stage/Mike Griot
The Soul of Burt Bacharach premieres with two shows at Enlow Recital Hall at Kean University on Nov. 8

Acclaimed bassist festival producer Mike Griot came up with the idea and spoke to WBGO's Doug Doyle about why Bacharach's music is so special to him. Griot and WBGO's Dave Popkin collaborated on the project. Popkin is the librettist and narrator of the new show.

Bacharach’s work has created a legitimate “American Songbook” that includes some of the most beloved songs of the last 50 years. Prepare to sing along with such classics as "What the World Needs Now", "Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head", "I Say a Little Prayer" and many more.

A star-studded array of vocalists and musicians will deliver soulful renditions of your favorite Bacharach tunes. The Soul of Burt Bacharach will feature Dave Popkin (Narration), Dave Malyszko (Piano), Damon Duewhite (Drums), Carl Burnett (Guitar), Manu Koch (Keyboard), Jenny Douglas Foote (Vocals), Vivian Sessoms (Vocals), Mike Davis (Vocals), Ed Shea (Percussion), Mary Babiarz (Viola), Amy Soto (Violin), Terrence Thornhill (Cello), Lisa Hansen (Flute), Kenneth Ellison (Saxophone / Clarinet), Thomas Boulton (Trumpet), Steve Friedman (Trombone), Ryan Marino (Baritone Saxophone) and Rob Poparozzi (Harmonica).

An internationally sought-after bass player and producer, Mike Griot has toured Europe and performed with the likes of Queen Latifah and Hezekiah Walker. His band "Blues People" has won many awards.
courtesy of the artist/SOPAC
An internationally sought-after bass player and producer, Mike Griot has toured Europe and performed with the likes of Queen Latifah and Hezekiah Walker. His band "Blues People" has won many awards.

Mike Griot has crisscrossed the world for several decades as a sought-after bass player in a variety of musical genres including, blues, soul, jazz, gospel, and hip-hop. His diverse credits include performing alongside Grammy-nominee Sue Foley (blues), UK-soul pioneer Omar (soul), Grammy-nominee Russell Gunn (jazz), Grammy-winner Hezekiah Walker (gospel), Gangstarr/Guru’s Jazmattazz (hip-hop) and dozens of globally recognized artists.

You can SEE Doug Doyle's entire interview with Mike Griot and Dave Popkin below:

Doug Doyle has been News Director at WBGO since 1998. Since then, Doug and his news staff have received more than 300 awards from organizations like PRNDI (now PMJA), AP, New York Association of Black Journalists, Garden State Association of Black Journalists and the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists.